Horror tends to come in many forms, but it can be truly at its best when something so offbeat comes along that feels truly original. The Abominable Dr. Phibes and Dr. Phibes Rides Again make up Arrow Video’s new Blu-ray collection The Complete Dr. Phibes and manage to have this feel. These are two movies that stand out in the seventies as going against the trend when it comes to horror, becoming something that is truly special and felt tailor-made for its star Vincent Price.
The Abominable Dr. Phibes
The Abominable Dr. Phibes is our first introduction to the character as he seeks revenge on the nine doctors he considers responsible for his wife’s death. Using the nine Biblical plagues as inspiration for his murders the police are at first baffled, then the evidence begins to show that Dr. Anton Phibes, thought killed in a car accident may not be dead at all.
The Abominable Dr. Phibes
The Abominable Dr. Phibes is our first introduction to the character as he seeks revenge on the nine doctors he considers responsible for his wife’s death. Using the nine Biblical plagues as inspiration for his murders the police are at first baffled, then the evidence begins to show that Dr. Anton Phibes, thought killed in a car accident may not be dead at all.
- 6/7/2014
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
As the undisputed king of American gothic, Vincent Price holds a unique position regarding his association with British horror. From the mid sixties, nearly all his films were made in the UK, and while not as distinguished as The House of Usher (1960), Tales of Terror (1962) and The Raven (1963), they are not without interest. As an actor perfectly suited to English gothic, Price’s output includes two career-defining performances. In a nutshell, he had the best of both worlds.
Masque of the Red Death (1964)
The British phase of his career began with a bang. After directing all of Price’s Poe chillers for American International Pictures, Roger Corman wanted to give the formula a fresh approach by making his next film in England. Aip’s Samuel Z Arkoff and James H Nicholson had already produced several European films, so the next step was to establish a London base with Louis M Heyward in charge.
Masque of the Red Death (1964)
The British phase of his career began with a bang. After directing all of Price’s Poe chillers for American International Pictures, Roger Corman wanted to give the formula a fresh approach by making his next film in England. Aip’s Samuel Z Arkoff and James H Nicholson had already produced several European films, so the next step was to establish a London base with Louis M Heyward in charge.
- 4/11/2014
- Shadowlocked
Jim Henson always had the capacity to turn learning into a magical experience. Ever since he created Sesame Street in 1969, generations of kids have enjoyed being educated by his irresistible Muppet characters. He made his programs so much fun, kids didn’t even realize they were actually learning something. Even when he taught about the dangers threatening the environment, he never seemed to be preaching. This DVD, advertised as “A wondrous celebration of the planet”, collects four ecologically themed stories featuring Henson’s Muppets. The late Mister Henson was a huge animal lover and his passion shows clearly in this affectionate ode to nature.
The first story, “Song of the Cloud Forest”, is a visually glorious homage to the beauty of the rain forest. It also outlines the dangers threatening the region and its inhabitants. The tale features a group of brightly colored creatures (all Muppets) who live and sing in the wilds,...
The first story, “Song of the Cloud Forest”, is a visually glorious homage to the beauty of the rain forest. It also outlines the dangers threatening the region and its inhabitants. The tale features a group of brightly colored creatures (all Muppets) who live and sing in the wilds,...
- 4/18/2010
- by Rob Young
- JustPressPlay.net
DVD Playhouse—April 2010
By
Allen Gardner
Ride With The Devil (Criterion) Ang Lee’s revisionist take on the Civil War is awash in moral ambiguity, along with some stunning cinematography, production design, and fine performances. Set during the Kansas-Missouri border war, Tobey Maguire and Skeet Ulrich star as two friends who join up with the Confederate-sympathizing Bushwhackers, finding an odd ally in a former slave (Jeffrey Wright). While it’s fascinating to see America’s bloodiest conflict through the eyes of a foreigner, thereby allowing much of the previously mentioned ambiguity a certain latitude, the film never loses the bad taste it leaves for one simple reason: it asks us, the audience, to side with not just the Confederates, but some of the lowest trash that made up the dregs, and the fringes, of the movement. Big points for audacity, but snake eyes on the story itself. Singer Jewel is impressive in her film debut.
By
Allen Gardner
Ride With The Devil (Criterion) Ang Lee’s revisionist take on the Civil War is awash in moral ambiguity, along with some stunning cinematography, production design, and fine performances. Set during the Kansas-Missouri border war, Tobey Maguire and Skeet Ulrich star as two friends who join up with the Confederate-sympathizing Bushwhackers, finding an odd ally in a former slave (Jeffrey Wright). While it’s fascinating to see America’s bloodiest conflict through the eyes of a foreigner, thereby allowing much of the previously mentioned ambiguity a certain latitude, the film never loses the bad taste it leaves for one simple reason: it asks us, the audience, to side with not just the Confederates, but some of the lowest trash that made up the dregs, and the fringes, of the movement. Big points for audacity, but snake eyes on the story itself. Singer Jewel is impressive in her film debut.
- 4/16/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
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